Jose Mourinho has been asked for his thoughts on Michael Carrick at Manchester United with the Portuguese having a good idea of what it’s like in the Old Trafford hot seat
Former Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has praised Michael Carrick’s work as Reds head coach. Carrick worked under Mourinho at Old Trafford, firstly as a player until his retirement in 2018 and then as a coach.
The Englishman had a transformative impact at United after being appointed interim boss in January following Ruben Amorim’s sacking. United went from a struggling side to one that comfortably finished third and qualified for the Champions League.
That saw the former Reds midfielder handed a two-year contract by Ineos, who were impressed by his work. Carrick’s record last term included 11 wins, three draws and just two defeats.
United’s start to the 2026/27 campaign has been more challenging, with four points from three Premier League games, which include a defeat at Hull City and a draw at Everton.
But Mourinho, who managed the club between 2016 and 2018, has offered his backing to Carrick while speaking to Sky Sports at Sunday’s Spanish Grand Prix.
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He said: “He’s doing well Michael, doing well. I’m happy with that.”
The Portuguese was in charge for 144 matches as United’s manager from May 2016 to December 2018. During that time, he guided the Reds to a Community Shield, Europa League and League Cup.
However, after a disappointing third season with United, he was replaced by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Mourinho has since returned to Real Madrid and was asked earlier this year about his time in Manchester.
The 63-year-old said: “My career at Manchester United, I know it well. I also know the reason why I ended up leaving,” Mourinho said.
“But as I always do, or try to do, when I leave a club I close the door and then I do not make comments. I do not analyse externally what happened.
“A door closes and another one will open. That is what happened when I left. The history stayed there, the numbers stayed there, the three medals came home and that is it.”


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